To search for the one thing that would destroy the shadow demon and the fear buried inside of her. It had latched onto her bones, buried deep within the marrow. Her desperate attempt to stop her father from opening the Seven Gates had caused his death. It was her fault the Shadow would return.
Hot tears rolled down her cheeks. “I left so I wouldn’t be afraid anymore.”
“I know.” Lucenna kneeled and embraced her tightly as she sobbed. She rocked her, holding her tenderly like a child. “I know,” she murmured. “I know.”
But Dyna couldn’t save her family during the Shadow Winter. Why did she think she could now?
“How will I save them when I cannot save myself?”
“Knowledge conquers fear.Knowing how to defend yourself, how to outwit your enemies, those are things you own. They belong to you and only you.”
It finally came to her then, what Lucenna had told her before.Whatever challenge you may face, the advantage of your opponent doesn’t matter. Be smarter than them, and you will win.
“I want you to have the security of knowing how to fight within your heart, so you don’t have to rely on anyone to save you from it.” Lucenna cupped her cheek. “One day, you won’t be afraid anymore, Dyna. I promise you that.”
The Shadow’s red eyes stared back at her within her memories. A part of her never left that snowy hill. The fear was always there, but maybe … maybe one day it wouldn’t be.
Exhaustion dropped over Dyna like a heavy blanket. Her Essence had drained to the dregs. Several footsteps rapidly approached. A clawed hand wrapped around Lucenna’s throat and yanked her away. Dyna tried to protest, but her body keeled over. Strong arms caught her and cradled her against the steady warmth of a firm chest. Soft feathers brushed her cheek.
“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you.” Zev’s furious voice rumbled in the fog as the world faded.
“No…” Dyna croaked—or tried to. Her tongue had become sand in her dry mouth.Don’t hurt her.She reached out for the fading light as she sank again into the land of dreams.
* * *
Golden rays bathed the dewy meadow, birds chirping a morning song in the trees. Dyna studied Lucenna, where she sat on a fallen log some distance away, watching the sunrise. Rawn, Cassiel, and Zev stood silently behind her. To Dyna’s relief, Zev hadn’t killed Lucenna. They’d left the decision of what to do with the sorceress to her.
She took the kettle hanging over the fire and poured tea into two cups. Her boots glided through the wet grass as she walked over to join the sorceress. Lucenna accepted the offering, and they quietly observed each other as the heat from the cup seeped into her palm.
“I think it’s your turn to tell me the truth,” Dyna said.
Lucenna dropped her gaze, gripping the Luna Medallion. The sun glittered over the diamond on her finger as she stroked the empty groove.
Dyna sighed. “Are you searching for the Moonstone?”
“Yes.”
“Is that why you wanted to find the Druid?”
Lucenna’s white eyebrows furrowed. “That was my original intention, but if I could ask him only one question, I wouldn’t have wasted it on asking him how to find Mount Ida. I told you we’re all selfish, Dyna. Me most of all. I would have asked him how to use the Time Gate to reverse time and prevent my mother’s death.”
Dyna recalled their first meeting when Lucenna had made the world pause.Time is a peculiar thing.Try as I may, I cannot manage it to go forward or backward. But I’ve learned how to make it stop.
Lucenna frowned at her cup. “Perhaps it would have been a waste to ask it. My wish is impossible. Time cannot be changed.”
Stopping time was one thing, but to go back in time to change events was a power that belonged only to the gods. If Dyna had the chance to change the past and prevent her family’s death, she would have opened all Seven Gates, if needed. No matter the cost.
“Did you plan to steal my map?” she asked.
“I was tempted to take it from you, so very tempted.” The light caught on Lucenna’s white lashes as she looked at the field. “But I’m not Andrez. I lived my life with the promise that I would undo his deeds, and that includes protecting every sorceress I can. In a way, I hope it will one day right the wrongs against Azeran.”
An old sadness crossed Lucenna’s face. “I see myself in you, Dyna. I know what it is to fear not being enough for those you love the most and carrying the deaths of those you couldn’t save.”
She set down her cup and released a heavy sigh. “I lied yesterday. Being afraid doesn’t make you weak. Your strength is your loyalty to your friends, your bravery, kindness, and mercy for your enemies.” Her lilac eyes rose to hers. “Those qualities are far more valuable than physical prowess. They are not easy to find this world.”
Such simple words, but the ones Dyna needed to hear. Since they had crossed paths, Lucenna helped her, even when she didn’t want it. Resulting in inner growth, as well as a magical one.
The fates had given her Guardians, and while they protected her every step of the way, that didn’t mean she was helpless. Instead of running away with the map, Lucenna stayed and made her face the darkness she hid behind. It was brutal and painful, and her soul had needed it.
